All electrical installations deteriorate with use and age. It is important to be sure that the safety of users is not put at risk, and that the installation continues to be in a safe and serviceable condition. It is recommended that every electrical installation is subjected to periodic inspection and testing.
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are the replacement for the Periodic Inspection & Testing reports on the Fixed Wiring aspect of an electrical installation.
Purpose of EICR/PRS inspection, testing and reporting…
- Safety of persons against the effects of electric shock and burns
- Protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect
- Confirmation that an installation is not damaged or deteriorated so it does not compromise safety
- Identification of non-compliances with the current edition of BS7671, or installation defects, which may give rise to danger.
- To ascertain the safety and compliance of the electrical installation to ensure its continued use.
Who needs an EICR/PRS? (Every property should have its electrical installation tested periodically)
- Commercial buildings (offices, shops, restaurants)
- Industrial buildings
- Residential & HMO (house of multiple occupancy) e.g., student accommodation
- Landlords (PRS – Requirement as from 2021 maximum of every 5 years re-test)
- Hotels, Guest houses & Bed & Breakfast
- Agricultural properties & buildings
Do I need an EICR?
You may need a report to find out the condition of an Electrical installation upon…
- Flood or Fire Damage
- If you are unsure if or when it was tested
- Buying a property
- Selling a property
- Periodically (Re-certification date at the discretion of the testing electrician subject to the condition, nature of use, etc.)
- Re-certification – the end of the period recommended in a previous electrical certificate
- Landlords are required by law to have a PRS (Private Rental Scheme) EICR Inspection every 5 Years & provide the certification to the tenant.
The six main aims of an EICR condition report are to:
- Record the results of the inspection and testing to make sure the electrical installation is safe to be used until the next inspection
- Find any damage and wear and tear that might affect safety, and report it.
- Find any parts of the electrical installation that do not meet the IEE Wiring Regulations
- Advise of any work needed to make it safe or bring it up to relevant standards
- Help find anything that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures, which can lead to deaths, burns, fires and other injuries
- Provide an important record of the installation at the time of the inspection